Lodge Technology Committee

The purpose of this committee is to provide Technology support and advice to members of the T.F. McElroy Masonic Community. Members have expertise in the areas of Computers, E-mail, Web Pages, Computing Hardware, Software and applications, Networks, VoIP (Skype), Telephones, and procurement of Hi-Tech devices. Feel free to contact members of the committee who show the area of expertise you are in need of.

These members can be located through the lodge phone directory or with an e-mail to the secretary: tfm302@Q.com.Equipment Recycle:To donate; or if you are in need; contact a member of the technology committee. In some cases we have spares or "extra" equipment that can be shared or given the same day.

Looking For:

Computers - donate Windows XP computers not more than about 5 years old.

Computer hardware - keyboards, mouses,

Laptops - Any Windows XP laptops especially with wireless features and on-board cameras/audio. To be used for e-mail and Skype so only moderate capabilities are required.

Printers: No printers (Buy new, Ink costs more than the printers in come cases if you check for sales) If you have a printer you want to donate or recycle, it will always be appreciated though!

Monitors: Modern Flat-Screen Color, any size preferred, but old CRT "box" monitors also appreciated, as something can be better than nothing!

As we acquire and fix up the above equipment we will donate back into the masonic community.

Other Notes:

TFMCAM (add a :85 to the address)View in Internet Explorer only, if in firefox must add IE tab 2 (not plus)Internal:

Notes on Microsoft Officelive Web Sites.

Computer Classes 2011

Classes begin 7pm 4th Wed in January

Class 1 - The Basics "What are all these wires for and where do they go?" > Boot and tour Windows

Class 2 - Windows basics "who said point and click, was simple?"

Class 3 - The Internet "How do I get there and what can I do once i'm there?"

Class 4 - Applications - Choice of apps, word, excel, email etc.

Class 5 - By Request

If you have a laptop or a portable computer bring it to the lodge for class. We will also take care of any annoying habits your computer might have picked up. If requested we will install free programs such as firefox (Web Browser), thunderbird (email), Irfanview (pictures) and a free virus checker (AVG) if you don't have one.

Recommended "Free" software:

Computer to computer voice and video - Skype

Free Virus Checker - AVG

Free E-mail - Gmail - MS Live.com -

Web Site (low tech) - Microsoft Office LIve (This web site)

Recommended (not free) Hardware:As these are personal recommendations, contact the individual making the recommendation for further information.

Acer Model 1410 Netbook (Todd)

Wireless Secuirty camera for home - Airlink101-SkyIPcam777w (Todd)

Wireless Access Point/ Router - NetGear RangeMax (Todd)

Cell Phones and Carriers:Once again, Individual Opinions.

For International Travel - Use Unlocked GSM Phones. The GSM carriers are AT&T and T-Mobile. Both carriers will unlock the phones after a few months if purchased on a contract, Right away if purchased outright. Frys sells unlocked phones. Wal-Mart seems to have the best price for outright purchase.(Todd)

With an unlocked GSM phone you can purchase and install a SIM card in whatever country you visit. That will give you a local number and pay by the minute service which can be up to 50 times cheaper than roaming. Remember that in most countries incoming calls are free!-Todd

Also remember, for those that use the feature, that in 98% of the world incoming SMS "text" messages are free, and do not absorb minutes or money.-Chris